We all know that cloud computing model has become a norm for computing. With data available on-demand and shared across platforms and devices, it becomes mandatory to hire skilled IT professionals who are certified and well-versed with the cloud platform and its functioning.
Microsoft’s Azure is one of the most adopted cloud platforms globally. As per industry reports, Microsoft Azure is the second-largest cloud service company across the globe. The accelerated adoption of Microsoft Azure has led to an exponential increase in demand for Azure-based jobs. Ideal candidates for such profiles are Azure-certified IT professionals.
Synergetics Learning encourages IT professionals interested in making a career in cloud computing to opt for Microsoft Azure Certification. But have you ever wondered why? Let’s share some of the key reasons for preferring Azure Certifications –
- Nearly 55% of the Fortune 500 companies use Azure
- Azure contributes more than 100% towards Microsoft’s commercial cloud revenue.
- MS Azure has received its accreditation from the UK government
- It has also received government backing from the US government.
- As per insider reports, more than 300,000 companies adopt Microsoft Azure in 12 months which is a good sign relating to a demand for an equally high number of Azure certified staff.
Now let us read all about role-based Azure Certifications offered by Microsoft, each of which is divided into four levels viz.
- Azure Fundamentals
- Azure Associate
- Azure Expert
- Azure Speciality
The certifications are identified with role-based titles such as
- Azure Administrator
- Azure Solution Architect
- Azure Developer
- Azure AI Engineer
Microsoft certifications empower candidates to fit into a particular work role rather than specific Azure skill sets Hence, the above mentioned roles are offered though most subject topics overalp various certification study modules, they are perfectly align to meet a particular work profile.
Through each of these certifications, candidates can acquire relevant knowledge and skills as per their preferred role.
Let us begin with
- Azure Fundamentals
Beginning with the foundation level exam, AZ-900 is for those IT candidates who wish to validate their knowledge of Microsoft Azure. Candidates with basic knowledge of cloud computing can also appear for this exam. AZ-900 is considered to be a stepping stone for those who wish to pursue additional associate and expert-level certifications in Azure.
Details of Azure Fundamentals Exams
Subjects Covered: Azure architectural components and Azure services, such as compute, networking, and storage, as well as features and tools to secure, govern, and administer Azure.
- Azure Administrator Associate
The Exam AZ-103 is for certifying as an Azure Administrator Associate. The candidate should have knowledge and understanding related to Azure applications, cloud, operating systems, and storage infrastructure. As a candidate for this certification, should be an expert in implementing, managing, and monitoring an organization’s Microsoft Azure environment, especially Virtual networks, Storage, Compute, Identity, Security and Governance
Details of Azure Administrator Associate Exam
Subjects covered: Implementing and managing storage, configuring and managing virtual networks, managing Azure resources and subscriptions, managing identities, and deploying and managing virtual machines.
- Azure Developer Associate
The AZ-203 exam requires the candidates to be proficient in app and service development using tools and technologies provided on the Azure platform. Ideal candidates are those with work experience, in developing scalable solutions, with programming language proficiency that is supported by the cloud.
Subjects Covered: Development of Azure storage, developing Azure infrastructure as a solution for service compute, implementing Azure security, troubleshooting, monitoring, and optimizing Azure solutions, and connecting and consuming services from third-parties and Azure.
- Microsoft Azure Administrator
In order to qualify as a Microsoft Azure Administrator, candidates need to appear for the Exam AZ-104. In order to be eligible for this exam, candidates be experts in implementation, management, and monitoring of an organization’s Microsoft Azure environment, such as virtual networks, storage, compute, identity, security, and governance. They must be familiar with operating systems, networking, servers, virtualization, PowerShell, Azure CLI, the Azure portal, Azure Resource Manager templates, and Microsoft Entra ID.
Subjects covered: Management identity and access, secure networking, secure compute, storage, and databases, manage security operations (25–30%)
- Azure DevOps Engineer Expert
Candidates who clear the AZ-400: Microsoft Azure DevOps Solutions are certified as Azure DevOps Engineer Expert.
In order to be eligible for the Azure DevOps Engineer Exam, candidates must have a background in Azure administration and development. As DevOps experts, they have experience in design and implementation of DevOps practices for Version Control, Infrastructure as Code, Configuration Management, Release, Compliance, Building, and Testing using the Azure technologies, as well as Agile practices.
Subjects Covered: designing a DevOps strategy, implementing continuous integration and delivery, DevOps Development Processes, continuous feedback, dependency management, and application infrastructure.
- Azure Security Engineer Associate
Candidates clearing the AZ-500 exam: Microsoft Azure Security Technologies are recognized as Azure Security Engineer Associate. The candidate should know the
implementation of security controls on the Azure platform, virtualization, Amazon Kubernetes Service, and cloud N-tier architecture.
The candidate should be able to use security tools for recognizing and addressing vulnerabilities and protecting applications, data, and networks by implementing security solutions.
Also, the candidate is an expert in maintaining security status, identity and access management, and scripting and automation are also required.
Subjects covered: management of identity and access, security operations, implementing platform protection, and securing applications and data.
Why should you take the cloud certification examination?
The industry recognizes IT professionals and developers technical expertise through the certification acquired. Hence it becomes necessary to acquire the Microsoft Certified Professional. And to begin with, candidates need to clear their first qualifying examination and acquire the Microsoft Certified Professional badge.
Factors that help you decide which cloud certification to go for –
Technical experience: A novice in cloud computing should start with the basic certification and progress to other levels of certification. Also, professional experience and level of technical knowledge matters when seeking higher levels of certifications. IT professionals interested in cloud architect certification should have sound technical knowledge in order to qualify for the examination
Current Job Profile: it is preferable to seek a certification relevant to their current job profile. An entry level professional should seek Fundamental certification while candidates with .NET developer experience should attempt for the Azure developer certification. If you are seeking Azure Infrastructure certification then you should have experience as a Windows or network administrator.
Career Goals: The certification you aspire to clear should be aligned with your career goal. Make sure to match your skills with the prerequisite for each certification examination. Ideally, you should prepare your ground with fundamental followed by associate certification in the relevant role and then proceed to acquiring expertise in it. By following this path and with relevant work experience, you well be capable of clearing the higher level certification
Your objective: Any certification that you wish to attempt should be aligned with your future goal. For example, if you want to become a big data architect in the future, you should take a big data cloud certification, followed by an architect-level certification. There is a prerequisite for each test. Although it is not mandatory, a good background will prepare you for future job roles that align with the certification you plan on pursuing.
Synergetics is one of the leading provider of Azure learning solutions for more than two decades. Fortified with a team Microsoft Certified experts who are veterans in the Cloud Computing space, Synergetics offers ample reasons to seek Microsoft Azure Certifications –
Let us begin with relevant insights on the global presence of MS Azure.
Market Share of Ms Azure – Microsoft Azure is rapidly gaining ground and is soon going to be on par with AWS with regards to its user base. It has already acquired considerable share of the cloud market across the globe.
Future-proof technology: Considered as one of the emerging technology solutions, Azure as a cloud service provider is rapidly evolving and growing faster than other technologies.
Adaptability: Microsoft Windows are synonymous with operating systems and hence adopting Azure-based cloud solution is the next logical step for most of Window users. Moreover, awareness and knowledge of Microsoft Windows, its commands and applications help users to get easily familiar with Azure and its principles such as operational insights and Azure Automation.
Immense Potential – Azure is growing faster than any other cloud service provider and hence gaining expertise and certification in Azure is the right choice for fast paced growth in the IT space.
Efficacy in Operations: Microsoft has empowered Azure to handle major tasks such as designing, deploying and even managing platforms. Azure cloud solutions are capable of adding value to a large development project, provide assistance to Ops aspect of Dev/ops and even handle Power shell Integration.
Synergetics is one of the distinguished provider of learning solutions for Microsoft Azure with for more than two decades. With a team of certified Microsoft Experts in cloud computing including offering solutions and managing cloud platforms, they are well-versed with upcoming trends and latest knowledge in the cloud segment. For more details on learning and training offerings, get in touch with Synergetics at info@synergetics-india.com
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